Town of South Bruce Peninsula Septic Re-Inspection Program. Information Session Prepared by GENIVAR May 11, 2013

Transcription

1 Town of South Bruce Peninsula Septic Re-Inspection Program Information Session Prepared by GENIVAR May 11, 2013

2 2 Welcome Information Session Outline: 1. Introduction of GENIVAR and the project team 2. Re-Inspection Program Overview 3. Scheduling Process 4. Inspection Process 5. Frequently Asked Questions

3 Introduction to GENIVAR 3 GENIVAR is a Canadian engineering consulting firm with over 15,000 employees and over 300 offices. GENIVAR has many areas of expertise (10 main business units segmented into smaller sub-disciplines). GENIVAR has a Certificate of Authorization with the PEO, APGO and holds an active BCIN# with the MMAH. GENIVAR s Environmental Group has been retained by the Town of South Bruce Peninsula to complete the Septic Re-Inspection Program.

4 4 GENIVAR s Project Team Senior Project Managers Michael Varty, P.Eng. Jason Murchison, P.Geo. Project Coordinator Kristy Gibson, B.A.Sc., E.I.T. Credential Summary Education: Environmental Engineering, Geology and Earth Sciences Dedicated career in wastewater and water supply servicing Active Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association (OOWA) members Registered on-site sewage system designers with MMAH Good standing with professional organizations (PEO and APGO)

5 5 GENIVAR s Responsibilities Implement the Septic Re-Inspection program on behalf of the Town of South Bruce Peninsula: Notifying property owners about the program; Schedule the inspections; Complete the inspections; Issue follow-up documents based on the inspection; and Educate the property owner about their system and the benefits of the program Generate meaningful information based on the results of the program.

6 6 Re-Inspection Program Overview Program Objective The Septic Re-Inspection Program has been designed to meet the requirements as approved by Council by-law. The program will include the inspection of all existing, on-site sewage systems regulated under the Ontario Building Code for signs of malfunction/disrepair Program Goals Help protect the surface water and groundwater quality, and human health, from sewage related impacts; and Provide education and learning opportunities to system owners.

7 Scheduling Process 7 Inspection Notification 2012 Residents will receive notification of the septic re-inspection program 2011 (GENIVAR s Introductory Letter issued on April 24, 2013) Residents will receive an Information Package during the Spring 2009 (April or May) of their designated inspection year The Information Package will include: Cover Letter Inspection Scheduling and Inspection Process Overview Document Sewage System Questionnaire

8 Scheduling Process (Continued) 8 Designated Inspection Years Major inspection zones (A-H) to be 2012 completed over a four year period 2011 ( ). Under the current by-law, each zone 2010 will be inspected during its designated inspection year Inspections will be booked by 2007 GENIVAR on a sequential basis as we receive 2006 responses (with an emphasis on completing older systems first)

9 Scheduling Process (Continued) 9 Proposed Scheduling By-Law Amendments Re-assign inspection zones (C-F) to 2012 different geographical areas Remove the designated years in favour of moving through the zones alphabetically 2009 to achieve 1172 inspections per year

10 10 Scheduling Process (Continued) Sewage System Questionnaire The Questionnaire must be filled out to the best of the owners knowledge. The Questionnaire must be returned to GENIVAR in order to schedule your inspection. The Project Coordinator will attempt to contact the property owner to schedule their inspection in the order that the Questionnaires are received.

11 11 Scheduling Process (Continued) Inspection Windows Inspections will be completed from June to October each year. Inspection windows are four (4) hours in duration (ex. 8 am 12 pm); however the inspection will be approximately one (1) hour in duration. There are a limited number of weekend and evening spots available. These will be booked on a first come, first served basis.

12 12 Inspection Process GENIVAR s Inspection Process Includes: Review existing septic system documentation with owner/representative and answer any questions; Complete visual inspection of septic or holding tank for signs of malfunction and structural integrity (material, sludge and liquid levels, filter, etc.); Complete visual inspection of leaching bed (if present) for signs of malfunction; Complete visual inspection of grey water pit/privy/cesspool (if present); and Review inspection report with the owner/representative. Complete Inspection Report

13 13 Inspection Process (Continued) Owner (or Representative) Responsibilities: Shall be at the property during the duration of their inspection window. Shall have septic tank lids/ holding tank lid exposed (buried lids must be unearthed prior to the inspection).

14 Inspection Process (Continued) 14 Examples of Visual Signs of Leaching Bed Malfunction Pooling Sewage on top of leaching bed Breakout from Leaching Bed

15 Inspection Process (Continued) 15 Examples of Visual Signs of Failure within Tanks Liquid Level above outlet pipe sign of clogged pipe/weeping tile Holding tank full of sludge

16 16 Inspection Process (Continued) Inspection Follow-Up: Systems that are not exhibiting signs of failure or malfunction will be issued an Inspection Certificate. Systems that are exhibiting signs of failure or malfunction will be issued a Remedial Action Letter. The Remedial Action Letter will be mailed to the owner after the completion of the inspection. This letter will describe in full the deficiencies observed during the inspection, recommended corrective action, and remedial time frame.

17 17 Inspection Results GENIVAR will prepare an annual report to summarize the inspection (such as number of properties assessed, number of pass/fails, and number of orders issued, etc.) Statistical data and trends will be summarized using charts, graphs, and GIS mapping.

18 18 Summary The Septic Re-Inspection Program has been implemented by the Town as part of an environmental/safety initiative. The goals of the program are to help to protect the surface water and groundwater quality from sewage related impacts and protect human health. There will be an emphasis on GENIVAR providing education to all system owners. The Town and GENIVAR are working cooperatively on this project to meet the Town s Strategic Plans : Goal 3: Sustainable Infrastructure and Built Environment Goal 5: Protection, Promotion and Preservation of Natural Environment and Agricultural Lands

19 19 Frequently Asked Questions I am on a holding tank, is my system exempted from the program? No. Holding tanks can also pollute the environment if they are not regularly pumped out, or are structurally unsound. I have a new system that was recently installed, is my system exempted from the program? Not under the current by-law. Surprisingly enough even recently installed systems can fail prematurely if they are used incorrectly (paints, heavy grease, excessive use). An amendment to the current By-Law has been proposed which would defer the inspection of systems less than five (5) years old (installed and inspected) until the end of the program, or such a time that the system is greater than five (5) years old.

20 20 Frequently Asked Questions Why do I have to dig up my own lids? Unfortunately GENIVAR cannot dig up the lids on your tank for three reasons: Health and Safety (buried utilities) Liability issues (we do not want to damage your system with our equipment) Logistics (time and cost implications) Why isn t the First Nations land being inspected? The Ontario Building Code does not apply to First Nations land as it is under Federal jurisdiction. Why do I need an inspection completed if the Health Unit already completed an inspection a few years ago? Your septic system, like many items that you use everyday, wears over time with use (even if you regularly maintain your system). The condition of your system a few years ago does not necessarily reflect its current state.

21 21 Frequently Asked Questions How do I find out when my property will be inspected? The current by-law indicates what year you will be inspected. Under the proposed by-law your inspection year may change. Regardless of the proposed by-law amendment, you will be sent the information package during the Spring of your inspection year in order to notify you in advance. Why is my system being inspected before others? The framework for the inspection zones and timing was set by the Town in keeping with source water protection parameters. It is important to understand that all the systems will be inspected within the next 4 to 5 years. Logistically it is not possible to inspect all the systems at once, therefore some will be before others.

22 Frequently Asked Questions 22 Will the inspectors be qualified? Yes. All GENIVAR inspectors will have passed the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing s On-Site Sewage System Designer/Legal exams and have a valid BCIN#. What happens if I do not schedule an appointment? GENIVAR will first attempt to follow up with you to ensure that you have received the information package and are aware of the inspection program requirements. Should you refuse to have an inspection completed, GENIVAR will notify the Town about your refusal. At that time, the Town will contact you and may choose to complete the inspection by exercising the powers of a Regulatory Authority under the Building Code Act.

23 THANK YOU